Spotting the Silent Cries: Talking About Suicide with Dr. Javeria Zaheer
I think for me, as someone who really is passionate about storytelling and who's really passionate about supporting people on their darkest days... there's quite a lot of people who are suffering in silence and not getting the support that they deserve.
Suicide is a topic many shy away from, but it’s a conversation we need to have. Every year, around 700,000 people worldwide lose their lives to suicide, with 10 lives lost daily in Canada alone. In this compelling episode of 'Life Unscripted', host Janice Arnoldi sits down with Dr. Javeria Zaheer from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to tackle this critical issue head-on. Dr.
Zaheer shares her wealth of experience and insights on recognizing the often subtle signs that someone may be considering suicide. She discusses the various risk factors and how they can differ across different groups, offering practical advice on how to connect with those who are struggling. With the added pressures brought on by COVID-19, mental health and addiction issues have surged, making this conversation more urgent than ever. Dr.
Zaheer also delves into the emotional aftermath for those left behind, emphasizing the importance of community support and empathy. This episode isn’t just about identifying warning signs; it’s about breaking the stigma and fostering a culture of understanding and compassion. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on how you can be part of the collective effort to prevent suicide and support those in need.